Medicare Supplement Plans Explained

What are Medigap plans—and why do they matter for your peace of mind?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Benjamin Franklin

If you’ve chosen Original Medicare (Parts A & B), great job—you’ve taken an important first step toward protecting your health. But here’s the part many people don’t realize: Original Medicare only covers about 80% of your medical costs. That remaining 20%? It’s your responsibility—and without an annual cap, those costs can add up fast.

That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance, better known as Medigap, comes to the rescue. These plans are like a financial safety net, catching those out-of-pocket costs so you can focus on your health—not your bills.

Let’s break down how Medigap works, why it’s so valuable, and how C & K Healthcare Advisors can help you choose the right fit.

🛡️ What Is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?

Medigap plans are private insurance policies that work hand-in-hand with Original Medicare to fill in the “gaps.” These include:

• Part A and B deductibles

• Copayments and coinsurance

• Hospital stays beyond Medicare’s limits

• Emergency care while traveling abroad

✅ To enroll, you must already have Medicare Parts A & B.

💬 Think of Medigap as your “Medicare backup”—ready to kick in when your primary coverage doesn’t go far enough.

💡 Why Do Medigap Plans Matter?

Without extra protection, one surgery or hospital stay could leave you paying thousands out of pocket. And since Original Medicare has no maximum limit, those costs can keep piling up.

Medigap is especially valuable if:

• You have chronic conditions

• You travel frequently within the U.S.

• You want freedom to see any doctor without referrals

• You prefer predictable healthcare expenses

✨ Bottom line: If you love peace of mind and don’t like financial surprises, Medigap is a strong solution.

🔤 How Are Medigap Plans Structured?

Medigap plans are standardized and named A through N, which means:

✔️ A Plan G from one company has the same benefits as a Plan G from any other
❗ Prices, customer service, and value-added perks can still vary by insurer

Popular Options:

• Plan G – Covers everything except the Part B deductible; a fan favorite for those who want simplicity

• Plan N – Lower monthly premiums with small copays; doesn’t cover Part B excess charges

• High-Deductible Plan G – Super low premiums, great for healthy retirees who want emergency coverage without the price tag

We’ll help you compare and find the sweet spot between cost and coverage.

🚫 What Don’t Medigap Plans Cover?

While Medigap fills many gaps, it doesn’t cover:

• Prescription drugs (You’ll need a separate Part D plan)

• Dental, vision, or hearing care

• Long-term care (like nursing homes or assisted living)

• Personal care services (like help with bathing or dressing)

💡 You can build a complete safety net by pairing Medigap with stand-alone coverage for the above.

🔄 Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: What’s the Difference?

Here’s how the two stack up:

👉 If you value flexibility, consistency, and no surprises, Medigap might be your perfect match.

📅 When Can You Enroll in a Medigap Plan?

Your best window is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:

• Starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B

• Lasts for 6 months

• During this time, insurers can’t deny you or charge more for pre-existing conditions

🕒 Miss that window? You may still qualify, but medical underwriting could apply in most states.

💙 How C & K Healthcare Advisors Helps You Choose Wisely

At C & K, we don’t just offer Medigap plans—we offer clarity and confidence.

Here’s how we help:

• Compare plans and prices across multiple top-rated carriers

• Explain the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting

• Coordinate your coverage with Part D and any additional benefits like dental or vision

• Handle applications and transitions with ease

✨ Trusted Care. Tailored for You. That’s our promise.

🌟 Final Thought:

A Medicare Supplement plan isn’t just about saving money—it’s about protecting your future. It brings freedom, security, and predictability into your retirement years.

Let C & K Healthcare Advisors help you find the perfect plan, so you can focus less on paperwork—and more on enjoying life.